Toro Student
Greenkeeper of the Year is returning for 2018, with two prizes once again up
for grabs.
Last year Nick
Machin of Royal Cinque Ports and Angus Roberts of Roxburghe Hotel & Golf
Course were crowned winners of the awards, which for 30 years have sought to
recognize and acknowledge the brightest talents in the future of the industry.
Nick was crowned
Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year 2017, while Angus became only the second
winner of the Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award.
Nick said: “The
whole process was quite nerve-wracking, but at the same time it was really
enjoyable and something I worked hard on. As nervous as I felt at times, I wish
I could do it all again!
“All I can say is
that if you are thinking about applying for Toro Student Greenkeeper of the
Year, then do it. If you know someone you could nominate, then put their name
forward and help them to apply.
“To win the
competition is a potentially life-changing event, but it is also one of the
best experiences you’ll ever have!”
The prize for the
Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year winner is an incredible six-week
scholarship, which sees them travel to the University of Massachusetts to study
turf management and also includes a trip to the Golf Industry Show and a visit
to the Toro factory in Minneapolis.
The winner of the
Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year award receives a two-week work
placement at the exclusive Vidauban Golf Club in France, plus a trip to
Continue to Learn at BTME.
Major prizes are
also available for the awards runners-up and those who nominate the students.
Reesink Turfcare is
the UK distributor of Toro machinery and irrigation products and one of the
award sponsors. Managing Director David Cole, an award judge, said: “We
recently caught up with last year’s winners and both have reported similar
benefits of winning. It was deemed life-changing and both said it had offered
them career-enhancing opportunities they simply wouldn’t have had before.
“Another point they
made was how anyone passionate about greenkeeping should ‘have a go’ and apply.
As it was so rightly pointed out, we’re not looking for the ‘perfect’ student,
we’re looking for talent and knowledge, of course, but also self-belief, determination
and promise. Winning is possible, whoever you are.”
The Toro Student
Greenkeeper of the Year award is available to all greenkeeping students
studying for eligible qualifications, while the Toro Young Student Greenkeeper
of the Year award is specifically for greenkeeping students aged 20 years and
under at the time of the closing date for entries.
The deadline for
applications is 18 May 2018. Regional interviews take place from 2-13 July
2018, and the national final will take place at BIGGA House, near York, on
17-18 September 2018.
